WILMINGTON — With term limits on his horizon, Ohio Speaker of the House Cliff A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) announced Friday in Clinton County he will seek a final term as state representative.
The 34-year-old Rosenberger represents Ohio House District 91, which includes Clinton, Highland and Pike counties as well as a portion of Ross County. He made the announcement on the landing of the Clinton County Courthouse — the same spot he made the first announcement he would run for the Statehouse.
Much of the 17-minute talk was devoted to thanking attendees and family. He had kudos for Highland County officials who attended, as well as for Clinton County Business and Economic Development Director Bret Dixon, who he said is one of his dearest friends.
“I can tell you first-hand no one cares more about the people of Clinton County and making sure they’re going to work every day,” said Rosenberger.
After the event, Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst said, “It’s a shame that someone who has done the things he has been able to accomplish, and only 34 years old, is term limited. From the first day he stepped in, he’s been a go-getter and a pillar for all of us down here.”
Rosenberger said workforce development continues to be “a huge priority,” but he said even more vital is ensuring that kindergarten through 12th grade education is “fully functioning.”
“It’s the surest way we will continue to lift people up and out of poverty,” Rosenberger said.
The state representative also spoke about the upcoming Nov. 3 ballot and Issue 3 in particular. He expressed strong opposition to the issue, adding citizens need to “make sure Ohio is not a state that goes forward with unlimited use of marijuana.”
Rosenberger said that in the future there can be discussion about policy permitting the medicinal use of marijuana.
“But the last thing we need to do is to allow recreational marijuana use through by allowing Issue 3 to pass,” he said, after referring to the drug problem as “huge.”
In introducing Rosenberger, Wilmington Mayor Randy Riley said the state representative has natural skills in bringing people together and also said he is a very hard worker.
Among the individuals Rosenberger publicly recognized at Friday’s event were Horst, seven-term Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley, Clinton County Engineer Jeff Linkous and Wilmington-based Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) Chief Executive Officer Joe Hete.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.
